BNSF News

Son of BNSF employee signs contract to play in NFL

2013-09-12

With the start of the new NFL season, fans will be watching with bated breath as the new rookie players hit the field for the first time.

One of these rookies, Lane Taylor, is the son of a BNSF employee, Luster Taylor Jr., track supervisor in Gainesville, Texas. Taylor signed as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Green Bay Packers.

In college, Taylor played for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys. During his time at OSU, Taylor played in 50 games, including 47 starts. In his last two seasons, he started all 24 games as right guard and did not allow a single sack. Although he was a solid force on the team, NFL scouts felt that his footwork would be cause for concern should he participate in the draft.

Determined to pursue an NFL career, the 23-year-old Taylor proceeded as a rookie free agent and considered his options with the Packers, Bengals, Jaguars, Raiders and Texans. Ultimately, Taylor decided that the Packers were his best chance.

"I really enjoyed it up here during my pre-draft visit," Taylor told the Oklahoma State Oklahoman. "It was a roster where I thought I could contribute."

After deciding to participate in training camp with the Packers, Taylor then had to make it through the rigors of camp without being cut. While there are plenty of success stories of players signing to a team as a rookie free agent - Dallas' Tony Romo, for instance - there are many more stories of players who never realize their dreams.

Fortunately, Taylor was one of the exceptions. On the day of final cuts, Taylor posted the following tweet: "Found out today I made the 53-man roster! Dreams do come true! So much work to get to this point. Now time to be a pro. #packers."

Not only did he make the team, but Taylor also received a $7,000 signing bonus; this was the highest bonus of any of the six free agents signed to the Packers this season.

As if the launch of a new NFL career weren't enough, Taylor and his wife, Kasey, also welcomed their first child, daughter Bryleigh, last month. Taylor is sure to stay busy both on and off the field as he makes a name for himself in Green Bay.

BNSF Headquarters

BNSF Railway Company
2650 Lou Menk Dr. 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 961057
Fort Worth, TX 76161-0057
Phone: (817) 352-1000

For more information on the company and its transportation solutions, visit the BNSF Web site at www.bnsf.com